Light of the World (Genesis 1:3)

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Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. - Genesis 1:3-4 (NKJV) 
 
God created Light - before He created the sun, moon, and stars! This wasn't written as a scientific mystery, but as a theological wonder. With these words, God made Himself, not the sun, the source of life, security, warmth, and illumination.
 
From there, we chase the theme of His Light vs. Darkness without Him throughout the pages of Scripture. 
  • Abraham went into a deep sleep where a horror and great darkness fell upon him. God showed Himself as a bright torch, illuminating the shadows (Genesis 15:12). 
  • When Pharaoh was pursuing the Israelites to slaughter them at the Red Sea, God caused a great darkness to fall upon Pharaoh's armies while simultaneously providing light from His pillar of fire for the Israelites (Exodus 14:19-20).
  • When God had Moses erect a Tabernacle He could inhabit, one of the most valuable pieces of furniture within it was a Golden Lampstand. It had to be daily trimmed so that its lamps could burn continually as a symbol of God's perpetual light (Leviticus 24:2-4).
  • God's Word was described as a lamp to the psalmist's feet and a light to his path (Psalm 119:105). 
Throughout her history, Israel was reminded that God was the source of their light. Through Him, they could escape the horrors and insecurity of darkness and live in the warmth of His life and guidance. 
 
Imagine the people's utter shock, then, when Jesus stood up in the middle of the Temple and described Himself as the Light of the World, the Light of Life (John 8:12)! GOD was the Light of the World that poured life and illumination into the hearts of men! Who did Jesus think He was? 
 
They knew Who Jesus claimed to be. That's why they tried to stone Him to death.
 
But then mystery of all mysteries, in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit showed up to live in the hearts of Jesus' followers. How did He show His presence? As little pillars of fire over their heads! What was happening there? Not only was God the people's light and illumination in the Old Testament, not only was Jesus acting as God's Light in the New Testament, now that the Holy Spirit was moving into the hearts of His people on a permanent basis, HIS FOLLOWERS were going to serve as the Light of the World! Part of our mission, as individuals and as a body, is to bear testimony to what life is all about! We're to point people to the path of security. We're to be a source of warmth. We're supposed to illuminate the path God wants people to walk! 
 
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your Light. Thank You for not leaving us to walk in darkness, fear, and uncertainty. I want Your Holy Spirit to live in me. Please help me learn how to be Your Light to others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.    

Comments

  1. J. McKinneyMay 30, 2026 at 8:50 AM

    Hallelujah for HIS magnificent light! 🕯️

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fred HarrisMay 30, 2026 at 9:34 AM

    Amen! And it blows me away He condescended to put His light inside of us!

    ReplyDelete

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